The strength of an organization is in its leadership, particularly in its ability to pass the baton. Likely you are by now aware that Jan Elfers, our beloved president, retired on June 3. The EMO Board has chosen The Rev. Andrea Cano to serve as interim president while a search is made for a permanent replacement.
How fitting that the initial interviews with Rev. Cano were conducted via zoom. In contrast, both Jan’s farewell picnic and Andrea’s final interviews were in person--signs that we are coming out of this most difficult season of COVID-19.
Andrea Cano is not new to EMO, having worked a brief time in our Jubilee project. A minister with the United Church of Christ, she brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit and faith-based work, as well as her lived experience as a bilingual and bicultural person. [See section below to learn more about Rev. Cano.]
I met Rev. Cano for the first time in her final interview and was impressed with her fondness to listen and process, drawing from a range of insights. She comes to us at a critical time as we walk through a DEI lens of self-reflection, or as she calls it, DEIA – diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
As she assumes her new role on July 12, I am reminded that each generation of leadership must continue the work that is never, in our lifetimes, completed. It is said that Frederick Douglas--the great nineteenth-century prophet--persevered, in the face of extreme adversity, to “put his faith in an ultimate jubilee rooted in faith … ideas and laws.” So must we.
Blessings,
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Dr. Howard N. Kenyon
EMO Acting President / Vice President
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EMO announces interim president:
The Rev. Andrea Cano
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We are thrilled to announce that The Rev. Andrea Cano has agreed to serve as the interim president of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO). She will start July 12 and serve in this position for about a year as we search for our next permanent president.
Ordained with the United Church of Christ, Cano is also a board-certified clinical chaplain. She has extensive experience leading nonprofits, including the Oregon Farm Worker Ministry and the National Microradio Implementation Project. Learn more about Andrea Cano.
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2021 Oregon Legislative Session Successes! |
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Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon's Public Policy Advocacy Team was honored to represent the faith community during the the 2021 Oregon Legislative Session. The session started in January and concluded on Saturday, June 26. Our team is proud to have advocated for the following key bills that passed this session.
HB 2544, Pertaining to support services for Unaccompanied Houseless Youth: Passed unanimously through the House of Representatives and had no less than 37 legislative sponsors! It more than doubles Oregon's investment in services for this population.
HB 2842, Healthy Homes: Will fund home repairs and retrofits to improve the health of families in low-income and environmental justice communities.
HB 2021, 100% Clean Energy: Will require all of Oregon's electricity to be emissions-free by 2040, guaranteeing environmental, health and economic benefits for communities across the state.
SB 844, establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Oregon.
SB 718, Welcoming Refugees Bill: Passed as part of a larger funding bill, ensures continued investment in social services for immigrants and refugees.
We extend our gratitude to those who helped advocate for these bills in a variety of forms. EMO's Public Policy Advocacy would not find our victories without the partnership of all of you!
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Looking for ways to serve our community? |
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Jesuit Volunteer EnCorps, a program of JVC Northwest, facilitates fulfilling opportunities for service, community, and spiritual formation for adults 50+ who are committed to social and ecological justice. Now more than ever, our communities need us! In addition to part-time volunteer service, members meet monthly online or in-person, creating spiritual community through shared reflection. Our values are rooted in the Catholic Ignatian tradition, and JV EnCorps is an inclusive and welcoming community of folks from all faith perspectives.
Learn more about what JV EnCorps service is like:
Priority application deadline: Aug. 31, 2021. Opening Retreat in September. For more info and to apply, visit jvencorps.org.
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Volunteers are needed to assist EMO veteran employee Russ Miller with Food Services. Help prepare meals for EMO's HIV home-bound and Day Center clients, as well as residents of the Patton Home. Basic food prep work. Food Services can use volunteers between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Within that time-frame, pick your length of time and hours. If you are interested, contact Lorena at lambriz@emoregon.org or call (503) 221-1054, ext. 201.
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Employment Opportunities at EMO |
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Grant Writer: Support the fund and constituent development needs of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon by assisting with foundation, corporate and government grant proposals and reports, and other grant-related activities. Part time (20 hours per week) with full benefits. View position description and how to apply. Position closes July 9, 2021.
Delivery Assistant—Operations, Northeast Emergency Food Program (NEFP): Assist the program manager in the daily operations of NEFP and fulfilling the mission of NEFP. Temporary, part-time position (30 hours per week). View position description and how to apply. Open until filled.
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Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
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